McConnell on healthcare, Trump and taxes

Wednesday, May 24, 2017 - 01:59

In an exclusive interview with Reuters, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks of his relationship with President Donald Trump and expresses optimism on overhauling the tax code. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

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ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
STORY: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday (May 24) said he has yet to hit upon a formula for repealing Obamacare and replacing it with a new healthcare program, but he expressed some optimism on another top priority, overhauling the tax code.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters, McConnell said healthcare and taxes still top the Republican legislative agenda, and he added he will not be reaching out to the minority Democrats on either one because differences between the two parties are too stark.
That approach will leave McConnell, a conservative 75-year-old Kentuckian with a reputation as a dealmaker, a narrow path to win passage of these ambitious goals, which are also at the head of Republican President Donald Trump's policy agenda.
Referring to behind-the-scenes work among Senate Republicans on a healthcare bill, McConnell said, "I don't know how we get to 50 (votes) at the moment. But that's the goal."
Under a scenario of gathering the votes needed for passage in the 100-seat chamber, Republican Vice President Mike Pence would be called upon to cast any potential tie-breaking Senate vote.

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